Revolution Growth Successfully Exits Custom Ink
By Ted Leonsis, Founder and Partner, Revolution Growth
I joined the Revolution team as a cofounder of the Revolution Growth fund in 2011 and our goal was, and still is, to make investments in great businesses that give customers more choice, convenience and control in their lives. One of our early investments from that fund was in Custom Ink, which at the time we described as a web-based, custom t-shirt company for groups and occasions.
Today, Custom Ink is so much more and I am excited to announce that we have exited our stake in the business to Great Hill Partners, a growth private equity firm with investing experience in consumer, e-commerce, and retail. They have backed brands such as Wayfair, Bombas, The RealReal and The Shade Store and see huge potential in the business that helped to pioneer online customized apparel. We know they will be great partners and helpful to Marc and his team in continuing to build the brand.
I have worked closely with co-founder and CEO Marc Katz and his team since we made our first investment in 2013 and I am very proud of the company, as well as the culture the team has built. The brand has evolved from a custom t-shirt company into one that activates communities, helps organizations raise money, and brings people together.
Several nights each week, we bring thousands of people together at the Capital One Arena to watch games and on occasion, we hand out Custom Ink t-shirts to fans as a way to visually unify the crowd. It is incredible to experience and I believe it makes a statement and brings everyone together just a little bit more.
The Custom Ink team has been doing the same thing for customers in local communities by enabling them to easily design and order custom t-shirts and gear for their clubs, companies, charities, family reunions, and much more. The company’s fundraising tool supports these communities by helping groups to sell custom t-shirts that benefit individuals and organizations and raise money and awareness.
Congratulations to the Custom Ink team on this milestone. We are proud of our role in helping this great VA-based company expand and believe Great Hill will be an excellent partner for Custom Ink’s continued growth.
